Many things have been said about cats; some are true, like his strong instinct to protect his territory from intruders, but others are less so. One of them is the one that says that they are animals independent enough to be able to be well for several days in the absence of their human family.
This is a belief why many people prefer to adopt a feline rather than a dog, when the truth is that both species equally need the company and affection of the people who care for them. Then, Can cats be alone for a long time?
I have been living with cats since 1998. Many have passed through my life and surely many others will. Right now I live with four wonderful feline creatures that I adore. But I can't imagine seeing them alone at home for a week, not even three days. They are animals that are very used to being in family, and not to be alone.
I have to confess that years ago I thought they were very independent. That is a mistake that many of us make. If we think only of their physical needs, that is, eat, drink, relieve themselves and sleep, both a dog and a cat could be alone in their house as long as they had food, water, a litter box and a bed. However, no one would leave their dog home alone during the holidays, why should the cat?
For the simple reason that the dog is considered a very dependent furry, while the feline has always been seen as a lonely being. But why? The cat, in a sense, is very similar to the human being: if it is respected and given affection, that will be what it gives to its loved ones, so when a furry man used to being pampered is left alone, he is going to have a very bad time.
Thus, before thinking about adopting a cat it is very important that we take this into account. We can't just leave him at home and expect him to stay happy while we're away.